Boozed doze fails drunken driver

Bruce Victor Johnson admitted drink-driving on August 2 when he appeared in Masterton District Court on Tuesday.

A man who fell asleep in his car after drinking woke up believing he would be under the legal limit to drive home.

But a breath test carried out by police when they pulled him over just before 4am on Jellicoe St, Martinborough, proved otherwise.

Jobless Bruce Victor Johnson admitted drink-driving on August 2 when he appeared in Masterton District Court on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old had produced a reading of 751mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit for an adult is 400mcg.

Prosecutor Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said Johnson had a previous drink-drive conviction from last year.

Lawyer Jock Blathwayt said his client was under severe stress at the time and had since taken steps to seek help from CareNZ for his alcohol issues.

Judge Barbara Morris warned Johnson that if he were convicted of drink-driving again he could be heading to prison.

"You need to be very careful to ensure you are not back for a third offence because you will put your liberty at risk."

Johnson was ordered to complete 60 hours' community work and nine of supervision. He was also banned from driving for seven months.